Double amputee seeks land to raise turkeys

Star Writer

DOUBLE amputee Vandike Gordon wants to get into the turkey business but is unable to do so because he does not have the land space.

Vandike, along with his wife, Andre, raise chickens, at their home in Georges Valley, Manchester.

The 63-year-old Vandike said he really wants to venture into turkey-rearing because his research suggests that the demand for turkey meat is good.

"We have been getting request for turkeys because persons enjoy eating the meat and it is very good for your health because it is considered as white meat," he told THE STAR.

"Persons are preparing it and adding their own Jamaican touch to it with different spices and herbs. People are jerking it just like chicken and so on, so I know it is a good thing to add to my little farm," he said.

For now, however, all Vandike can do is dream about branching out into that area of agriculture. The wheelchair user, who lost is legs to diabetes some years ago, said he has been having difficulty finding a property to lease. He is hoping to get a property somewhere in proximity of the town of Mandeville.

"We don't own lands or anything but we got a compassionate grant from the Ministry of Labour and we are raising chickens but we have to be moving the coop because we don't have a steady location," Vandike said.

The Gordon's currently pay rent for a two-bedroom house that they occupy. They are fortunate enough to be allowed to raise chickens there as well. However, their desire is to build a place to call home and raise chickens and turkeys in the back yard.

"We were staying on a friend's property but he asked us to leave because he wants to repair the house. Right now our main source of income comes from raising and selling chickens, but the constant moving is preventing the business from thriving," Gordon's wife, Andrea, said.

She told THE STAR that they have been trying, without luck, to get a piece of land to lease so that they could establish their farm and put up a house.

"I just want somewhere where I can build a wooden structure on it. A lot of people will offer their land for lease but just for farming and not to build on. We just want to be comfortable because I want him to live somewhere that is wheelchair friendly. It is really hard on us financially, but honestly, we are not looking for handouts, just somewhere to lay our heads," Andrea, said.

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PLEASE BOX AND REVERSE

Persons wishing to assist the couple may contact them at 876 447 8041.